If I buy a new pc in the vacation what should I buy ?

Trucidation · 14 May 2012

Not sure how you guys do things over there, but other than buying a complete system, is the only "build" option to do it by yourself?

The way it is here, we go to the shop and pick components from the list and they assemble it for us (30 mins or so, unless you also bought an OS and want them to install that too). Prices of the hardware are no different compared to buying online, although they do add a (small) labour charge.

Wouldn't have it any other way. Buying prebuilt = can't choose components, pricey; buying parts online to assemble yourself = the wait, hassle.

Zepher · 15 May 2012

Trucidation said:

Not sure how you guys do things over there, but other than buying a complete system, is the only "build" option to do it by yourself?

The way it is here, we go to the shop and pick components from the list and they assemble it for us (30 mins or so, unless you also bought an OS and want them to install that too). Prices of the hardware are no different compared to buying online, although they do add a (small) labour charge.

Wouldn't have it any other way. Buying prebuilt = can't choose components, pricey; buying parts online to assemble yourself = the wait, hassle.

In the USA, most of those shops that would build you machines from parts you pick off the shelf have disappeared.
there used to be one on almost every corner in the 90's.

I always build my desktops, and I build desktops for other people as well.
My customers would rather deal with me for tech support than have to deal with Dell or any of the other OEMs.

One of my clients bought a pair of Dells in the early 2000's since it was a pretty good deal. But when she had an issue with it, it would take an hour or two on the phone, part of it on hold and the rest trying to understand what the tech is trying to say.
When it was time to replace the Dell, she had me build her one since she had enough of the outsourced tech support.

wanchoo · 15 May 2012

We do the same over here. But where is your here or is it a closely guarded secret?

Trucidation said:

Not sure how you guys do things over there, but other than buying a complete system, is the only "build" option to do it by yourself?

The way it is here, we go to the shop and pick components from the list and they assemble it for us (30 mins or so, unless you also bought an OS and want them to install that too). Prices of the hardware are no different compared to buying online, although they do add a (small) labour charge.

Wouldn't have it any other way. Buying prebuilt = can't choose components, pricey; buying parts online to assemble yourself = the wait, hassle.

M1GU31 · 15 May 2012

There's literally like only one place where I live that will build the pc for you but it's a bit costly. They also repair them and sale other stuff and what not. It's a really small shop next to a subway restaurant but it's what is in my small town.

DavidE · 15 May 2012

What will you use the computer for, and how much are you planning to spend?

i.e. Hardware requirements for a Gaming rig are different than a PC used for Surfing/Office apps.

unifex · 15 May 2012

I think the discussion of what's better - custom-built or OEM is rather academic, unless you decide what are you going to use your machine for. Is it a desktop or a laptop or maybe a netbook suits you better? If it's a standard desktop PC, then are you playing latest games or doing some state-of-the-art research? Are you an architect or a top-notch photographer? Then comes the question of money - what's your budget?

pparks1 · 15 May 2012

^ In addition, do you need to save money? I find it's often hard to build and save money over a mfg'd pc, especially when you need a monitor and an OS. Sure, you can find the crappiest parts on the planet and assemble a bit cheaper...but who would do that?? At least with a prebuilt machine you have a warranty from the mfg for a period of time....thus the hardware will at least hold up for that period of time.